Mary Louise (Barkley) Bennington

Mary Lou was the youngest of six children born on February 22, 1961, to William B. Barkley, Sr. and Mary Louise (Day) Barkley.  Both parents and brother Richard predeceased her. She is survived by husband Garey Bennington, daughter, Alyson (Jeremy), granddaughter Nora Leigh, and four brothers and sisters: Lynda (Alan) Wheeler, Susan (Frank) Hunter, William B. (Sally) Barkley, Jr., and Roger (Blanche Woodbridge) Barkley. Mary had two nieces; Katherine and Rebecca and great nephew Gabriel.

Mary Lou grew up in Berwyn Heights where she met life-long friends. She graduated from Elizabeth Seton High School and attended the University of Maryland. She worked in office administration for most of her career.

Her friendships with her close group of friends (many of whom she knew for over 50 years) meant the world to her. She enjoyed traveling, the beach, music, reading and cheering on the Nationals baseball team with her husband.

Mary Lou was a three-time cancer survivor and her strength, loving heart and beautiful smile will forever be remembered. She will be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Montgomery Hospice or Beltsville Community Cats would be a wonderful tribute to Mary Lou, who loved animals.

Private celebration of life will be held at a later date.